Argent

Argent en Ukraine

Ukrainian currency is HRYVNIA (abbreviation: UAH). Bills come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hryvnias and coins exist in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kopecks, as well as 1 hryvnia, where 100 kopecks = 1 hryvnia. Bills show historical figures on the front and famous buildings on the back. In late 2004 new bills were emitted, causing a bit of confusion among both natives and foreigners.

Ukrainian currency has been enviably stable the past five years and is tied to the dollar. There has been discussion of tying the hryvnia to a basket of currencies. The current exchange rate is around 7,5 hryvnias to 1 US dollar or 10,5 hryvnias to 1 euro.

Exchanging money in Ukraine
Because of the amount of US dollars and euros in circulation in Ukraine, exchange booths can be found all over any busy section of town. Rates are generally as good as or better than in banks, and the service of Exchange is quicker. Take note that in Ukraine the different exchange rates offered; beware of things like a faded "0" slipped between digits on exchange rate signs in touristy areas. No documents are necessary to exchange money at exchange booths, but passports are required in many banks, where the procedure can take a bit longer. Count the money at the window in plain sight of the money changer before walking away. More central areas tend to have better exchange rates unless their main clients are tourists. If you enter Ukraine through Kyiv's Boryspil airport, bring some smaller dollar or euro bills if you will need to pay for a taxi; the exchange point in the airport has poor exchange rates.